Marriage on the Mend: Healing Your Relationship After Crisis, Separation, or Divorce

by Clint Bragg, Penny Bragg

“Every broken marriage has the hope of becoming a saved marriage.”

Approximately fifty percent of the couples who sign a marriage license will also sign on the dotted line of a divorce document. In order to turn the tide of this stark statistic, couples who have considered or experienced separation or divorce must be given real tools to reconcile, restore, and rebuild their relationships. Marriage on the Mend provides these tools for couples in crisis.

Clint and Penny Bragg know what it means to be that couple. After being divorced for eleven years and living 3,000 miles from each other, they were remarried―but the difficult work of restoration continued long after that second ceremony. The Braggs know that couples who reconcile face a unique set of challenges, including unresolved arguments, poor communication habits, unforgiveness, and betrayed trust. Biblically based materials are required to walk through this treacherous territory toward full healing and restoration.

This practical, realistic book identifies roadblocks that may stall relationship progress, recommends ideas to deepen intimacy, offers solutions to effectively handle past hurts and conflicts, and applies Scripture to every aspect of the process in order to proactively stabilize and safeguard the marriage. At the end of each chapter, the Braggs include a prayer for couples to share to help facilitate healing.

The one thing all broken relationships have in common is that true healing takes time. Using the framework of Nehemiah’s effort to restore Jerusalem’s walls following the Israelite’s exile and captivity, Marriage on the Mend provides a clear framework for the restoration of relationships.

248 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2011

About the author

Clint and Penny A. Bragg now serve as marriage missionaries through the work of Inverse Ministries, their nonprofit organization. They share their testimony with audiences, teach seminars for couples, and equip ministry leaders across the nation and beyond. Their own story of reconciliation has been featured on multiple national and international television and radio programs.

Reviews

[Edine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mend the Marriage by Brad Browning provides practical strategies and advice for couples looking to repair and strengthen their relationships. The book offers step-by-step techniques for improving communication, resolving conflicts, and rekindling romance, with a focus on actionable solutions to help couples overcome challenges and build a healthier, more fulfilling marriage.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.







Book Description:




"Every broken marriage has the hope of becoming a saved marriage."
Approximately fifty percent of the couples who sign a marriage license will also sign on the dotted line of a divorce document. In order to turn the tide of this stark statistic, couples who have considered or experienced separation or divorce must be given real tools to reconcile, restore, and rebuild their relationships. "Marriage on the Mend" provides these tools for couples in crisis.
Clint and Penny Bragg know what it means to be that couple. After being divorced for eleven years and living 3,000 miles from each other, they were remarried--but the difficult work of restoration continued long after that second ceremony. The Braggs know that couples who reconcile face a unique set of challenges, including unresolved arguments, poor communication habits, unforgiveness, and betrayed trust. Biblically based materials are required to walk through this treacherous territory toward full healing and restoration.
This practical, realistic book identifies roadblocks that may stall relationship progress, recommends ideas to deepen intimacy, offers solutions to effectively handle past hurts and conflicts, and applies Scripture to every aspect of the process in order to proactively stabilize and safeguard the marriage. At the end of each chapter, the Braggs include a prayer for couples to share to help facilitate healing.
The one thing all broken relationships have in common is that true healing takes time. Using the framework of Nehemiah's effort to restore Jerusalem's walls following the Israelite's exile and captivity, "Marriage on the Mend" provides a clear framework for the restoration of relationships.







My Thoughts:




Marriage on the Mend: Healing Your Marriage After Crisis, Separation, or Divorce is the first book by Clint and Penny Bragg I have had the pleasure of reading and it is a fantastic book. When I read about this book and the authors, I felt drawn to it. I have been married for 20 years and we have had our ups and downs and we are in a down season so I was very interested in this book. Clint and Penny Bragg write with authority about all aspects of marriage: the good, the not so good, and the not so pretty. The first thing that struck me as I read, was their total transparency and openness to their readers. What struck me next is that is NOT a how to book. The Braggs didn't have a magic equation to fix their marriage, they give the readers a framework right from The Bible using Nehemiah's story in his efforts to restore Jerusalem's walls after the Israelite's exile and captivity and also other Scripture to help readers understand. This book doesn't stop at getting back together. They make it clear that the work doesn't stop, actually most of the work begins after reconciling. Marriage is something that needs constant tending. I could feel the Bragg's hearts and souls in their writing and their willingness to bring the readers into their private world showing that no one's marriage is perfect. Even though we may not have the same issues this book really grabbed a hold of me and held on long after the last page. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a very long time as we work on our marriage and it is one of a few books I will be reading again to learn about things that I probably missed in the first read. This book really brings a lot of emotions out as you read. I found myself laughing in some parts and crying in others, seeing where I have work to do. Clint and Penny Bragg are fantastic writers and I am so thankful for their book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is married, no matter what season, it really is relevant. I am excited to read more from The Braggs. I give this book 5+ STARS.

[Jennifer Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offers hope

Marriage on the Mend shares Clint and Penny Bragg’s experience of divorce and reconciliation. In addition to scripture and stories of other couples. The book offers the importance of staying rooted in the Word, prayer and other tools every marriage requires to stand firm.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for any couple who is having issues weather in marriage or not. The authors went through divorce and separation for many years and ended up getting remarried and they tell of their hardships and advice on getting back on track with your relationship to help heal it. This book has a religious aspect in it which I didn't realized until I had read it. It would have been nice if it was stated a bit more clearly on the summary or front of the cover that this book has a lot of Christian influence in it. So this book would not be good for you if you are not of this religion. Other than that it has great tips, and advice on what you can do to patch things up with your significant other. It even has a ton of QR codes inside that link to podcasts, websites and additional information that will help you along your journey into healing your relationship. So in conclusion, if you are having issues, read this book it may help save your relationship. If you are not of the Christian religion I would not recommend.

Note: I have received this book from GoodReads First Reads, in exchange for a review.

[Linda Rooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When people are trying to restore a marriage that has gone through a lot of chaos and brokenness, this book leads you on a path to wholeness and restoration. I highly recommend it.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage on the Mend by Clint and Penny Bragg is a wonderful resource not only for couples who have separated and wish to reunite but also for couples who want to see their marriage continue to grow and thrive. With the background of having been through a divorce from each other, the authors give sound advice on how a fractured and seemingly hopeless relationship can be repaired. The Biblical account of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the rubbled wall of Jerusalem is a parallel to the rebuilding of marriage that is woven throughout the book. A beginning premise is that 'all marital dysfunction can be traced back to the soul's deep desire for love and our misguided attempts to find it' and a recognition that this God-given desire is only satisfied in and by Him. To begin reconciliation with a separated spouse, one needs to first be reconciled to the One who designed love. Forgiveness and faith are key principles in finding satisfactory solutions to legitimate issues.
There are twelve chapters dealing with fundamental concepts such as how to form a firm foundation, deepening discussions by having courageous conversations, recognizing roadblocks, rebuilding on the past and aligning your standards for basing your marriage on God's Word. One chapter is given solely to the subject of prayer, both individual and as a couple, and its essentiality to the rebuilding of the marital relationship. Another chapter encourages couples to be intentional in assessing the progress of their relationship by regularly having mini marriage retreats. The chapter provides fairly detailed how-to tips to successfully implement this suggested time away to set and assess goals, discuss feelings and deepen communication with and commitment to each other. Integrated within each chapter are QR codes that can be scanned with a smart phone to link the reader to video podcasts to further explain the concepts and tools presented. A website is also listed for access to the podcasts for those without a smart phone. There are practical reactive and proactive suggestions, such as journaling, relying on Godly mentors for support and wisdom, and using a prayer scrapbook to enable the couple know how to begin and work through the ideas and concepts presented. Each chapter ends with a prayer related to the chapter contents and suggestions and questions for further consideration. Marriage on the Mend is an excellent book filled with scripture-based suggestions to rebuild or revitalize a marriage relationship.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. I have posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Deepershopping.com, Christianbook.com, Booksamillion.com, Bookfun.org and GoodReads.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clint and Penny A. Bragg in their new book, “Marriage On The Mend” published by Kregel Publications gives us Healing Your Relationship After Crisis, Separation, or Divorce.

From the back cover: “Every struggling or broken marriage has the hope of becoming a saved marriage.”

Rebuilding marriage takes time. The Braggs know this. After a divorce that lasted eleven years, they started on a journey to heal their relationship and, ultimately, renew their marriage. Practical, realistic and steeped in Scripture, Marriage on the Mend offers the solutions they found to effectively handle past hurts, broken trust, and the chronic conflicts that keep many couples from experiencing true restoration.

The authors write, “there is no relationship in such a state of ruin that it remains beyond God’s reach”. The Braggs were divorced eleven years and “He raised their relationship from the dead in 2002″. It is not easy. It will take work. Compromise. Forgiveness. Understanding. But it can be done. The one thing all broken relationships have in common is that true healing takes time. Using the framework of Nehemiah’s effort to restore Jerusalem’s walls following the Israelite’s exile and captivity, Marriage on the Mend provides a clear framework for the restoration of relationships. At the end of each chapter they offer “Questions To Consider” that will help strengthen your marriage. Each chapter has QR codes embedded in the text to access free podcasts, or other online resources. If you have any problems with your marriage up to and including divorce then this book can help. If you have friends and/or family that have problems then this book can help them. I believe it is a wonderful resource.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read not only for couples-even if everything seems good now, marriage takes work and this will give you great suggestions, but a great resource for families that are struggling, for anyone struggling with relationships. It is an easy to read, and easy to follow list of things to do in order to get the relationships in your life in order. God first, and then others follow.

It is very easy to become so busy working for God in and outside of the church that we don't make time for God. We need to be connected to the source of life, or we become disconnected and satan sneaks in and then it's all downhill from there.

Peggy and Clint Bragg share from their own struggles, why they divorced and what led to that. But more importantly they share the hope and good news that even though 50% of people marrying today end up divorced there is in fact the opportunity for second chances if each gets their own relationship with God back on track.

There are stories shared from other couples whom have divorced and remarried, so there is definitely a need for this type of book, and one based on God, His Word and prayer.

Special to this book are QR codes to be scanned with your smart phone, which will bring you to video pod casts that will enhance the reading and learning in each and every chapter. Beyond just a bonus!!

You can, and may need to see a marriage counselor, but I believe you can pick up this book and start today to make some wonderful changes to your life and marriage. You don't need to do everything at once, but there are many tried and true ideas shared, so pick it up today, and see if you don't agree.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by bookfun.org.

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an encouraging and helpful book about how to repair your marriage after something devastating happens, and how to prevent the damage from recurring. The authors share from personal experience their own struggles, and give helpful resources for building a stronger marriage bond based on Scripture, particularly the book of Nehemiah.

Each chapter has QR codes embedded in the text to access free podcasts, or other online resources. Their many examples for healthy communication, praying and studying the Bible together are great for any couple working on bettering their marriage; they are effectve preventative tools to guard against spiritual attacks. The end of each chapter has discussion questions and exercises for couples to use also.
The authors strongly encourage couples to deepen their individual relationships with God first, and build up from there, which seems basic solid advice, but sadly overlooked by many Christian couples.
Recommend this to any married Christian couple!

(A complimentary copy of this book was provided free from bookfun.org in exchange for this unsolicited, honest review.)

[Cherie Kasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clint and Penny have written a book which everyone should surely want to read, especially if you are or have been going through a crisis in your married life. There are a lot of good suggestions even if you are not married or having a crisis.
No one wants to have a crisis, a separation or a divorce. But if you are going or have gone through any of this you can look to this book for a lot of good ideas to work on. The goal for these writers is to help everyone who reads this have a healing in their relationship. Other couples who have weathered this storm and are having a strong marriage are a great support for the newly broken couple. Long time married couples can also be a stronghold for those who are going the wrong way.
I have found many good suggestions for myself in this book, we are at a different place, but then we always are, life is always changing, and changing us. I would high recommend this book to all who have any questions about how an what to do to help you get back to where you want to be.
I was given this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage on the Mend is a book that I felt was just something that after being married for five years, I felt was something I needed to read. My marriage is great, but after going through a crisis and reading some information about this book, I felt compelled to pick it up. This book is very much informative with lots of thought provoking discussion, questions and a variety of topics. While it touches on crisis, divorce and separation, it also speaks to conflict resolution, communication, prayer, forgiveness, faith, etc, while doing this with a realistic approach.
The other thing I really enjoyed about this book and the authors, it is very much build in scripture and does not steer away from it. It is a very biblically based book, which can help any couple who is wanting to strengthen their marriage if you follow the principals and guidelines in this book. This book will encourage you to grow stronger in your marriage and closer in your walk with God.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clint and Penny wrote this book to help couples out of their own experience. They reconciled their marriage following an 11 year divorce. This book is easy to read, encouraging, and practical. Based on the Biblical account of Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem, the Braggs have effectively used the same principles in helping a couple rebuild their marriage. Each chapter has practical ways to reclaim the trust and communication that is often broken. In addition to advice and exercises in the book, there are links to videos included for further study. There is also a website you can go to for lots of additional resources. This is an excellent book and my husband and I have utilized many of the skills to help our own marriage. I am thankful for this book and the way God has helped me.

I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and encouraging book on marriage! Clint and Penny Bragg were divorced for 11 years and then remarried. This book is full of practical and wise advice for anyone in a marriage, even if your marriage isn't falling apart!

This book was very helpful to me. My husband and I went through a difficult situation and even though we have worked through our issues, this book was helpful. It reiterated what we did in our situation. A lot of the things they worked on, we also did!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone in a marriage or considering marriage!

I received this book from bookfun for my honest opinion.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly what I was looking for. Came off more inspirational than fix-it. Still, it does remind you that the heart needs more work than the ego.

[V Luttrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!